Highland Park parade mass shooting LIVE updates — Active shooter remains at large after five people killed near Chicago | The Sun
GUNSHOTS sent spectators at a Fourth of July parade running as police and paramedics arrived on the scene to aid the injured and hunt for the gunman.
The Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois — about 25 miles north of Chicago — descended into chaos 10 minutes into its start after a gunman opened fire on parade-goers.
Blankets and chairs were left strewn along the parade route as people abandoned their belongings to run for safety.
Law enforcement sources told WGN TV News that five people have been killed and 16 have been injured.
Several witnesses told the Chicago-Sun Times that they heard about 20-25 shots fired.
Police on the scene were reporting heard telling people: "Everybody disburse, please. It is not safe to be here."
Read our Highland Park shooting blog for the latest news and updates…
- Josephine Fuller
No indication of hostages
Police said reports that the gunman was barricaded and holding hostages were not true.
A rifle was recovered from the scene, though police have not said where it was found.
- Josephine Fuller
Police give description of suspect
During a press conference, police described the shooter as a white male, aged 18-20.
Some witnesses said they saw the gunman shooting from the roof of a building, but authorities have not confirmed that.
Officials also said this shooting seems to be completely random.
- Josephine Fuller
Heavy police presence
One spectator showed the rapid and large response from police and fire rescue.
Police urged those in the crowd to disperse, saying it was no longer safe to stay where they were.
- Josephine Fuller
Witnesses heard at least 20 shots
Several witnesses told the Chicago-Sun Times that they heard about 20-25 shots fired.
Videos showed spectators abandoning their belongings as they rushed from the parade route to take cover.
Police are still actively searching for the suspect who they claim was shooting from an elevated platform.
Evidence of a firearm was recovered from the scene.
- Josephine Fuller
At least five dead and 16 hurt
Five people are dead and 16 others hospitalized after a shooter opened fire at a Fourth of July parade.
Gunfire erupted just 10 minutes into the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois – about 25 miles north of Chicago – on Monday.
Parade-goers quickly ran from the scene as police and first responders rushed to the scene.
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